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Two Types of Grout Sealer and the Most Popular Brands

Sealing grout is a necessary step in any tile and grout project. Unfortunately, this step gets overlooked many times to the determent of your grout. Because it is porous, dirt and mildew can get down into your grout making it appear dirty and discolored no matter how much you clean it. Grout sealer prevents this from happening and as a result your grout and tile look cleaner and newer for longer. But just because you know how important it is to use grout sealer, that doesn’t mean you know what grout sealant product is the best grout sealer for you. Looking at the display of sealant products in a home improvement store or tile store can be daunting because there are so many choices. This page will give you some insight into what kind of grout sealer you should use and some grout sealer reviews of some of the most popular brands.

What are the Different Types of Grout Sealers?

Penetrating Grout Sealer – Sealer penetrates the porous tile and grout. Polymers are dissolved in either water or a solvent and the liquid works its way just under the surface of the grout and tile. When the water or solvent evaporates, the polymer is left behind to fill the pores and voids in the grout. The result is a shield that repels water and resists staining.

Topical Grout Sealer – This sealer is sometimes called a coating sealer. They form a protective barrier on top of the grout and tile rather than under the surface. Coating sealers are also polymers dissolved in water or solvent and the liquid evaporates away to leave the barrier of polymer behind. The polymers used in topical or coating sealers are larger polymer molecules that bridge the gaps or voids in the tile and grout rather than fill them. A common polymer used in topical sealers is acrylic.

When Should I Use Penetrating Grout Sealer?

Wet environments like showers or bathtubs

High traffic areas where foot traffic can wear off topical sealers

Exterior tile and grout that is exposed to the elements (e.g. patios or walkways)

Penetrating grout sealers are definitely the more popular type of grout sealant and you will find more of them on the shelves than coating sealers because they last longer and provide better protection. You can use penetrating sealers on almost any type of tile; just check the specific product instructions. Each formulation is slightly different and certain products are recommended over others for certain types of tile. The chart below will give you an idea of which products are recommended for which tile materials.

Penetrating sealers are also more appropriate in wet or moist environments like a shower or bathtub than topical sealers. If water or moisture were to get under the topical or coating sealer, there would be no way for it to escape and that trapped moisture will foster mildew growth. When water hits a penetrating sealer, it beads up on the surface and never gets into the grout.

When Should I Use Topical Grout Sealer?

To achieve a gloss or matte finish

Extremely high porosity tiles

Low traffic areas in the interest of cost

There are circumstances where coating or topical tile and grout sealers are more appropriate. One of those circumstances would be if you wanted to add a finish to the tile or grout rather than just leave the natural look of the tile and grout. Finishing products can be applied separately after the tile and grout are already sealed, but it is more convenient to have a single product that accomplishes both steps. High gloss and matte finishes are common choices that are often combined with a sealer. Because the finish needs to be on top of the tile or grout lines, these sealers are topical or coating sealers rather than penetrating ones.

Another possible circumstance where you would want to use a topical grout sealant is on extremely high porosity tiles like terracotta. If you try to use a penetrating grout sealer on these tiles, two problems might arise. First, you might have to apply so much penetrating sealer that the color and appearance of your tile would change drastically, negatively affecting the aesthetics of your tile choice. Second, you might have to use so much penetrating sealer that it just isn’t very economical. In these circumstances, it is better to use a topical sealer so that you preserve the appearance of your tile and do not waste your money.

Below is a description of some of the more popular tile and grout sealers available to homeowners and contractors.

Tilelab SurfaceGard

Tilelab SurfaceGard is their top of the line all purpose grout and tile sealer. This product by Tilelab comes in a variety of sizes with bottles ranging from one pint to one gallon. The quart size bottle comes equipped with a spray nozzle for easy application. The instructions for this product say to apply the SurfaceGard with a sponge or mop. If you are using a container without the spray nozzle, then you can pour it directly on the tile and grout and then spread it around with a mop or sponge. This product is suitable for almost any tile material and all sanded and non-sanded grouts. Typically, polished surfaces will only need one coat while more porous surfaces like grout will need at least two. Excess residue that remains after sixty minutes can be removed with a white polishing pad. You can get anywhere from 200 to 1200 square feet of coverage per gallon depending on the porosity of the tile and grout.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Tilelab Grout & Tile Sealer

This product can be used on the same surfaces as the SurfaceGard product. The only difference between these two products is that the Grout & Tile Sealer is a little less expensive and does not last quite as long. While the SurfaceGard claims to last for twenty years, the Grout & Tile Sealer will not last nearly as long. This product comes in either a gallon bottle or a quart bottle with a spray nozzle. Coverage is 200 to 1200 square feet per gallon depending on the porosity of the tile and grout and is applied with a mop or sponge. Excess can be removed by scrubbing with a white polishing pad sixty minutes after application but before the product is completely dry.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Tilelab Stonespecific

There are actually three different Stonespecific products made by Tilelab and each is designed for slightly different natural stone surfaces. One product is meant for polished marble, travertine, and limestone. The second product is meant for un-polished, tumbled, or honed marble, travertine, limestone, and slate. A third product is meant for polished granite. Tilelab made this series of products as an improvement of the SurfaceGard product. There are slight variations in the formulations that make each Stonespecific product better suited to different porosity stones. All three products come in a quart bottle with spray nozzle. The application process is slightly different from the other Tilelab products in several ways. First, you need to work the sealer in for five to ten minutes rather than just applying and waiting for the sealer to penetrate. Then you wait for a longer amount of time between the first and second coats. Coverage is anywhere from 800 to 1,200 square feet per gallon and excess sealer needs to be wiped off immediately after application before it dries.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Tilelab Aim & Seal Grout Sealer

Tilelab Aim & Seal Grout Sealer is meant specifically for sealing grout lines. This product comes in an aerosol can that you are supposed to hold eighteen to twenty four inches away from the grout. You spray the grout lines and then wipe away any excess sealer that gets on the surrounding tiles allowing the sealer to penetrate the grout. You can spray the aerosol can in many positions because of its 360° nozzle. It can even be sprayed in an inverted position making it easy to apply in tough areas like the corners of a shower stall from a standing position. The coverage for this product is 525 linear feet per 15 oz. can. This might be a good product to use if you are looking to reseal your grout lines but your tiles do not need to be resealed.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Tilelab Grout Sealer

Tilelab Grout Sealer comes in a six oz. bottle with an applicator brush at the tip. The product is squeezed out of the bottle and applied to the grout lines alone using the applicator brush. Like the Aim & Seal Grout Sealer, this product is for sealing grout lines only, not tiles. You can wipe off any excess sealer that makes it onto the tiles with a cloth. You might use this product instead of the aerosol can if you want a more controlled application process. For example, if you are sealing the grout on a kitchen backsplash and you want to avoid getting sealer on your cabinets or painted walls nearby, you might choose to use the Tilelab Grout Sealer rather than the Aim & Seal Grout Sealer. Coverage is anywhere from 60 to 80 square feet per 6 oz. bottle, depending on how many coats you need to apply. It should also be noted, that the literature from Tilelab on this product indicates that is not as good a stain resistor as the Aim & Seal product.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Tilelab Stonespecific Stone Enhancer & Sealer

Tilelab’s Stonespecific Stone Enhancer & Sealer is a penetrating product that combines the protection of a sealant with the rejuvenation of an enhancer. The enhancer will darken and accentuate color differences in the natural stone tiles. This product should be used to improve the appearance of worn or faded stone tiles. This product comes in a quart spray bottle and has approximately 43 to 85 square feet of coverage in a bottle. Once the product is sprayed on, you need to spread it out evenly over the tile and grout to ensure even enhancement. Try to avoid overlap or application of excess material in any one area because the stone will not appear uniform. It should be noted that the more porous the stone is, the deeper the color enhancement will be. Make sure to test the material on a small inconspicuous area first to make sure you like the result.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Tilelab Gloss Sealer & Finish

Tilelab Gloss Sealer & Finish is a topical sealer or coating sealer that is used on extremely porous stones like terracotta and slate. The result is a glossy coating that enhances the color and appearance of your tile while providing a layer of protection against scuff marks and stains. This product comes in quart and gallon bottles and you can expect somewhere between 300 and 500 square feet of coverage per gallon of product. The application process is simple because you just need to apply an even layer with a sponge or mop and allow for it to dry.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Tilelab Matte Sealer & Finish

The Tilelab Matte Sealer & Finish is also a topical sealer, but the end result is a low sheen matte look rather than a high sheen glossy look. The protective finish helps to prevent stains and scuff marks while enhancing the color and texture of your porous stone tiles. The product comes in 2 sizes, a quart bottle and a gallon bottle. Coverage is 300 to 500 square feet per gallon and application should be done with a sponge, mop, or lambswool applicator. Make sure that you apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. If the sealer coat is too thick it will dry unevenly and the end result will not be as attractive. Several thin coats will produce a better result, but it does take longer.

You can purchase Tilelab products at the following retailers: Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and many tile distributors.

Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold

Sealer’s Choice Gold is the premium all-purpose grout and tile sealer from Aqua Mix. This product is a water-based penetrating sealer that is safe to use on almost any type of tile and grout. Aqua Mix markets this product as especially appropriate for food preparation and serving areas because of its superior stain protection. The Sealer’s Choice Gold also has a Rapid Cure Formula unique to Aqua Mix that is designed to achieve optimal penetration in as little time as possible. Aqua Mix claims that this sealer will dry in as little as four hours. Other products might take as long as twenty four hours before you are allowed to walk on the surface. Sealer’s Choice Gold comes in a variety of sizes ranging from one pint to 5 gallons. Application can be accomplished with a mop, sponge, or cloth. You can also spray the product on and then even out with a sponge or cloth. Any excess sealer that does not penetrate the surface of the tile or grout should be removed within five minutes. The coverage of this product is anywhere from 300 to 1,500 square feet depending on the porosity of the tile and grout.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix Ultra-Solv

Aqua Mix Ultra-Solv is also a premium all purpose grout and tile sealer. The only difference between this product and the Sealer’s Choice Gold is that this product is a solvent-based penetrating sealer. There are several reasons why you might prefer to use a solvent-based sealer over a water-based one. First, some experts claim that solvent-based sealers penetrate better than water-based ones because the molecules of the solvent are smaller than water molecules and it is easier for them to penetrate the tile and grout. In addition, some people say that you are less likely to develop a haze on top of your tile if you use solvent-based sealers. Of course, the main drawback to using a solvent-based sealer like Aqua Mix Ultra-Solv is the fumes given off while you are applying it. You must work in a well ventilated area and take breaks often to make sure you are not breathing in harmful vapors. Coverage is anywhere from 400 to 1,500 square feet depending on the porosity of the tile you are sealing. This product is available is a variety of sizes ranging from one quart bottles to five gallon pails.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix Penetrating Sealer

Aqua Mix Penetrating Sealer is also an all-purpose tile and grout sealer. It is a water-based product that can be used on almost any tile surface. It comes in many different package sizes ranging from one quart bottles to 55 gallon drums. The main difference between Aqua Mix Penetrating Sealer and Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold is that the Penetrating Sealer is an economical choice that does not last quite as long. The product information for Aqua Mix Penetrating Sealer says that the product will only last around five years. Application methods are consistent with other Aqua Mix products and the coverage that you can expect ranges between 300 and 1,000 square feet per gallon depending on the type of tile.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix Pro-Solv

Aqua Mix Pro-Solv is the economical alternative for Aqua Mix Ultra-Solv. Pro-Solv is also a solvent-based tile and grout sealer, but it does not last as long as the premium all purpose solvent-based product by Aqua Mix. Expected wear is around ten years and coverage ranges from 300 to 1,500 square feet per gallon. As with all solvent-based grout and tile sealers, you need to make sure there is adequate ventilation in your work area and that you wear respiratory protection when working with this product. After the product is completely dry, you do not need to worry about respiratory protection or fumes. Once the solvent evaporates away leaving the polymer behind to plug up the porous tiles and grout lines, the ventilation will no longer be an issue.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix SameDay Grout Sealer

Aqua Mix SameDay Grout Sealer is a sealing product intended exclusively for grout and not for tile. This grout sealer is an aerosol product that you spray onto the grout lines. Any excess sealer that is sprayed onto the tiles needs to be wiped off within five minutes of application. Coverage is varies from 300 to 500 square feet per 15 oz can depending on the porosity of the grout and other factors like temperature or humidity. The main characteristic that makes this grout sealer stand out is that Aqua Mix claims you can use it on grout as soon as six hours after grouting. That is far sooner than most grout sealers. Once the grout sealer is applied it will last between one and two years. Luckily it is easy to apply since you will have to reapply so often.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix Grout Sealer

Aqua Mix Grout Sealer is a water-based sealer meant especially for sanded and unsanded grouts. It is used most commonly on ceramic tile installations where you do not want to seal the tiles. Unlike the SameDay Grout Sealer, this product needs to be applied with a soft bristled paint brush or sponge paint applicator. You need a tool that is small enough to only get the sealer on the grout lines. Aqua Mix Grout Sealer comes in containers ranging in size from one pint bottles to 55 gallon drums. Coverage is between 300 and 1,500 square feet depending on the porosity of the grout and room conditions. If you do not have a need to seal your grout especially quickly, this is a good all purpose grout sealer to use.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix High Gloss Sealer

Aqua Mix High Gloss Sealer is a topical or coating sealer that not only provides some surface protection for your tile and grout, but also provides a high-sheen finish to your floor. The high –sheen finish is usually obtained with a second product. This Aqua Mix tile and grout sealer saves you an extra step by combining the two products together. Since it is a topical sealer, you should not use Aqua Mix High Gloss Sealer in environments where there will be a lot of moisture or water such as the shower or bathtub. The High Gloss Sealer is applied with a paint brush or sponge and provides between 300 and 1,000 square feet of coverage for every gallon of product. You need to be extra careful to get an even application of sealer when applying topical sealer because uneven application will be evident once the product dries. Avoid puddling at all costs.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix Seal & Finish Low Sheen

Aqua Mix Seal & Finish Low Sheen is similar to the High Gloss Sealer in that it is a topical or coating sealer that combines a Sealer with a Finishing coat to add texture to a floor. The difference is that the result is a low sheen coating rather than a high sheen one. The application of this product is also very important. You want to apply the sealer with a paint brush or sponge in a very even layer so that imperfections are not noticeable once the sealer dries. Coverage is 300 to 1,000 square feet per gallon and the product comes in package sizes ranging from one quart bottles to five gallon pails.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.

Aqua Mix Enrich ‘N’ Seal

Aqua Mix Enrich ‘N’ Seal is a penetrating sealer that not only provides a sealer’s protection to the tile and grout, it also enriches the look of the tile and grout by darkening the coloring and highlighting the characteristics of natural stone. When you use this product on your floor or tiled area, make sure to test the product on a small inconspicuous place first to make sure that you like the results. Package sizes range from one pint to one gallon bottles. Application can be done with a sponge, mop, cloth pad, or paint brush. It is important to avoid overlapping during the application process because you want the same enriching effect on all sections of tile and grout. Coverage ranges from 500 to 1,500 square feet per gallon depending on the porosity of the tile and grout. This product is expected to last around fifteen years.

Aqua Mix products are available exclusively from tile distributors and cannot be purchased at hardware or box stores.